1988 Plymouth Horizon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. (91 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 496 kg more than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. (165 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Plymouth Horizon | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2578 mm |
